The first-ever Ryman League meeting between the two Suffolk sides last night turned into an explosive affair, Bury twice coming from two goals behind to earn a point before a crowd of 325 at Ram Meadow.

Leiston made it six games unbeaten and centre back Stuart Boardley said afterwards: “We are on a good run and it shows how far we have come when you come to Bury and you are disappointed you have not won.

“At the start of the season you would have taken a 3-3 draw at Bury, but that is not the case right now.”

Leiston led 2-0 at half-time courtesy of Emmanuel Osei’s 14th minute goal and a second from Gareth Heath ten minutes later.

John Sands handed Bury a lifeline when he netted from close range in the 63rd minute, but Leiston responded with a third through Joe Jefford’s header just four minutes later.

Sands swept home the rebound after Sam Reed struck a post in the 68th minute and they levelled via Adam Tann three minutes later.

The game’s flashpoint came in the 74th minute when Leiston’s Michael Brothers was controversially sent off just two minutes after coming on as a substitute as he challenged for a high ball with Sands, who ended up on the ground.

Brothers claimed he was innocent of any wrong-doing and his team mates surrounded referee Paul Burnham, but it was to no avail as he produced a straight red card. Sands, who was quickly on his feet after the card came out, was booked for his part in the incident.

Bury had late penalty appeals waved away after Jordan Patrick went down in the area, but a draw was probably a fair result overall on the balance of play.